Why in the News?
Defence Minister inaugurated the third production line of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Nashik.
About Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A:
- Overview: Single-engine, 4.5-generation, supersonic multirole fighter aircraft developed indigenously under India’s LCA programme.
- Developers: Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of DRDO and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Purpose: Conceived in the late 1980s to replace the ageing MiG-21 and Su-7 fleets of the Indian Air Force.
- Operational Induction: Entered production for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2024 after extensive flight trials and certification.
- Roles: Designed for air superiority, ground attack, close air support, and interception missions.
- Manufacturing Hubs: Produced at HAL Bengaluru and HAL Nashik, with parallel assembly lines to meet IAF delivery targets.
Key Features of Tejas LCA-Mk1A:
- Design: Tailless compound delta-wing configuration ensuring high agility, aerodynamic efficiency, and reduced radar cross-section.
- Engine: Powered by General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan, enabling speeds up to Mach 1.8.
- Avionics: Equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Electronic Warfare Suite, and Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS).
- Flight Control: Features Digital Fly-by-Wire System for enhanced stability and pilot control.
- Weapons Integration: Can carry air-to-air, air-to-ground, and precision-guided munitions, including Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles.
- Cockpit: Modern glass cockpit with Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) and Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) controls.
- Payload & Range: Payload capacity over 4,000 kg across eight external hardpoints; combat radius around 500 km, ferry range up to 1,700 km.
- Network Capability: Integrated with secure data link systems for real-time communication and situational awareness.
- Maintenance: Modular design allowing easy servicing, high turnaround rate, and improved mission readiness for sustained operations.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following aircraft: 1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1 How many of the above are considered fifth-generation fighter aircraft? Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None* |
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